Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Stewardship Award – Dan Wisniewskiof Middleton has spent decades influencing public policy to benefit land and water conservation in Wisconsin. Dan has served as a dedicated board member with the Northwoods Land Trust, supporting their efforts to protect over 11,000 acres, and through his volunteer efforts and leadership with Trout Unlimited (TU), he has played a critical role in securing restoration funding and public access on some of best cold water streams in Wisconsin.

In his distinguished career in local and state government, as Secretary of the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, and in leadership at all levels of Trouts Unlimited, Dan Wisniewski has positively affected conservation policy and funding in Wisconsin and beyond.

Dan has been a tireless advocate for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program, playing a key role in developing The Wild Rivers Legacy Forest. He has been described as an “unsung hero” in the effort to preserve and secure public access to Token Creek in Dane County, was instrumental in acquiring the land that is now the Pheasant Branch Conservancy, and has assisted in completing countless other local projects.

Those who have worked with Dan describe his approach to conservation, policy work, and fundraising as forward-thinking and savvy. After a distinguished career, Dan is now using his broad experience and skills in volunteer roles, including more than 12 years on the Board of Directors of the Northwoods Land Trust. Through his work with the Conservation Committee of the NWLT, the organization has expanded to more than 11,000 acres of protected land.

“Dan Wisniewski has spent years—decades—working steadily and effectively on a variety of levels to conserve lands and waters and provide the public with access to them. His efforts have helped his communities, his state and the nation to accomplish those goals,” said John (Duke) Welter, TU Driftless Area Restoration Effort Outreach Coordinator and former Wisconsin Natural Resources Board member.

Gathering Waters is happy to present Dan Wisniewski with the Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Stewardship Award on September 21, 2017 at Monona Terrace in Madison. Find out more about this event or RSVP on our website.